New promotional video puts Christchurch on the map

Christchurch is being celebrated with a new promotional video aimed at visitors returning to the historic destination.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism (BCP Tourism) and Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce have launched the new video which illuminates some of the Saxon town’s beautiful and iconic appeal.

The video has been created in a bid to launch BCP Tourism’s new destination website following the amalgamation of the three councils.

With branding complementary to that of Bournemouth and Poole destination websites, visit-christchurch.co.uk aims to provide essential information to tourists and residents alike, covering accommodation, restaurants, what’s on and attractions.

Christchurch Priory, Norman House, the castle ruins, Saxon Square, Mudeford Quay, Highcliffe, forest walks and harbour life feature in the clip which is to be shared on social media.

Jon Weaver, Head of Resort Marketing and Events, pictured left, said: “Christchurch is a beautiful, charming town brimming with history offering everything from high-adrenaline water sports to leisurely luxury hotel holidays.

“We’re thrilled to be able to shout about this beautiful part of the world and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to this charming coastal market town.”

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“Huge demand” for all types of property leads to lettings shortage

A robust lettings market across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire has resulted in a shortage of properties.

Goadsby Residential Lettings Department, which has 15 offices across the three counties, is reporting a “huge demand” for all types of property.

It currently has more than 2,500 applicants registered looking for rental property.

However, with properties in great demand it doesn’t currently have enough stock to service them.

As well as traditional long term renters Goadsby has seen an increased number of sellers looking to rent in order to break the sales chain.

A general lack of available rental stock, and the decreased supply, along with the increased demand, has meant rental prices have increased.

Some branches have reported increases of up to ten per cent for properties coming up for re-let.

Mark Sanderson, Divisional Director, pictured left, said: “The pandemic forced people to put their house moves on hold.

“As soon as the property market restrictions began to ease we saw how much pent up demand there was across the region.

“Some properties let within 24 hours of coming to the market and others have let over the asking price.

“Pet friendly, family homes with outside space have proved to be extremely popular and landlords have been receiving multiple offers for their properties.”

Electrical Safety Certificates have become mandatory for all rental properties with landlords needing to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years.

Goadsby’s Residential Property Management Department, based in Ferndown, has been busy organising and collating the certificates for more than 3,000 properties.

Lynne Burton, Lettings Director, pictured right, said: “Our portfolio of landlords have been kept up to date on the changes within the lettings market.

“We have been writing to give advice and offer assistance to organise EICRs using trusted electricians to complete required works.

“This new certification adds to the list of legal requirements we ensure are met by our landlords including gas safety certificates, energy performance certificates, right to rent checks, tenancy deposit scheme registration, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, how to rent guides and other health and safety considerations for the protection of tenants.”

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Zara and Ash tackle 100km Jurassic Coast Challenge in 24 hours

A couple are tackling a gruelling challenge in aid of charity this month.

Zara Taylor, Marketing Manager at Poole-based TDSi, and her partner Ash are walking/running 100km (62 miles) along the Jurassic Coast to raise money for the Bowel Cancer UK charity.

The duo are looking to complete the route in just 24 hours, from May 22 to 23.

Zara and Ash are taking part in memory of Zara’s grandmother, Janet Gallagher, who passed away from the disease in September 2019.

Zara said: “We may be mad, but we will be running (and walking where required) along the Jurassic Coast to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK, which holds a special place in my heart having lost my lovely Nan to this terrible disease.

“Whilst it tends to affect people over 50, it can threaten people of any age (with 2,500 younger people diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK each year), so it’s an important issue for everyone to be aware of. ”

Zara and Ash are busy training for the challenge, having completed a number of routes of 20-50km in preparation for the main event.

Zara said: “We are making sure we continue to train so we are in the best condition to take on the 100km, which will be a big test of our endurance.

“We have set a target of raising at least £1,000 for the charity, but obviously any additional money will help Bowel Cancer UK to do better work in helping to save lives and provide support to anyone affected.”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is firmly supporting Zara and Ash with the challenge.

John Davies, Managing Director, pictured left, said: “Myself and the team at TDSi are very proud of them for taking on this impressive challenge, particularly to raise funds for such a well deserving charity and cause.

“This will be a gruelling challenge and rewarding venture for them both.

“As a business we have always looked to support our communities and to encourage our team to do the same, particularly those causes which they are passionate about or have a personal resonance for them.”

Zara and Ash have set up a Just Giving Page for sponsorship/donations.

For further details on the Jurassic Coast Challenge and how to sponsor the event please click here.